Mpox Outbreak in Guinea-Bissau: Community Transmission Persists Amid Intensified Surveillance Efforts

Bissau: Two months after the first case of mpox was confirmed in Guinea-Bissau, the nation has reported a total of 10 confirmed cases, with no fatalities. Health authorities are intensifying efforts to identify and monitor cases actively, with technical assistance from the World Health Organization (WHO).According to African Press Organization, the initial mpox case was reported on June 26, 2026, and confirmed by both the national public health laboratory and a private university lab. These findings were further corroborated by a regional reference laboratory. As of August 23, 2026, during the close of epidemiological week 34, there have been 58 suspected cases, 10 of which have been confirmed positive with no recorded deaths. Notably, three new cases were confirmed in the most recent week, although the epidemic curve shows fluctuating patterns, suggesting that the decline in suspected cases might not signify a halt in transmission.Bissau remains the epicenter of the outbreak, accounting for approximately 90% of confirmed cases. Other regions such as Biombo, Oio, Gabú, Tombali, Cacheu, and Bijagós have reported suspected cases, but no sustained community transmission has been verified outside Bissau. The confirmed cases are all adults, primarily in the 30-34 age group, with a slight male predominance. Although children were among the suspected cases initially, none tested positive, highlighting the broad scope of the suspected case definition.Genomic sequencing has identified that all analyzed samples belong to clade IIb, showing genetic similarities to viruses found in Sierra Leone, Guinea, and Nigeria. This underscores the critical need for robust surveillance at entry points and effective cross-border coordination. While the absence of fatalities is encouraging, experts caution that the severity of mpox can vary significantly based on several factors, including immune status and access to healthcare.The national response to the outbreak is coordinated through the Incident Management System, involving na tional health authorities, WHO, and other partners. The response strategy includes several key pillars such as surveillance, laboratory diagnostics, case management, infection control, risk communication, and community engagement. WHO provides comprehensive technical support across these areas, facilitating coordination and data analysis to inform response strategies.Performance indicators reveal that 98% of suspected cases were investigated within 48 hours, surpassing the 90% target, and 87% of laboratory results were provided within 72 hours. Despite these achievements, challenges persist, particularly in contact monitoring, where only 59.3% of identified contacts have completed the monitoring period.The lack of clear epidemiological links between cases suggests possible undetected transmission chains, reinforcing the need for continued active case finding and community-based surveillance. Public health recommendations emphasize avoiding close contact with infected individuals, practicing good hygiene, and seeking medical care if symptoms arise.Stigma associated with mpox presents a significant barrier to effective outbreak management, as it may deter individuals from seeking timely medical attention. Community participation is vital to the success of ongoing surveillance efforts, enabling the identification of transmission chains and encouraging early care-seeking behaviors.